Yossi Benayoun has played down fears that he will miss Israel’s World Cup qualifier against Greece at the end of the month.

The national team captain injured a hamstring in a training ground collision ahead of the midweek Champions League match against Real Madrid but has targeted a comeback for the match against Aston Villa, six days before the big match.

Benayoun said: “My aim is to be fit for Villa on March 22. I believe I will be ready to play then so there is no worry about my being fit for the Greece.”

Israel were given another boost when striker Ben Sahar’s injury was not as bad as first feared. He should be fit for De Graafschap’s game against Ajax this weekend.

On a whistle-stop trip to England to check the fitness of their players, Israel boss Dror Kashtan and his assistant Moshe Sinai were in Bolton on Monday to watch Tamir Cohen in training and were convinced that he is fully match fit. He is likely to be in the squad against Greece.

Dean Furman scored for the second consecutive match with an effort in Bradford City’s 5-0 win over in League Two.